The Bentley Bentayga is the first of a new kind of hyper-luxury SUV

After much teasing, Bentley's Bentayga SUV is finally here. The British luxury automaker released official photos of the first off-roader in the company's century-long history this week. The Bentayga will make its official world debut later this month at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Bentayga will join the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and the flagship Mulsanne in its lineup. With luxury SUVs now a must-have for high-end automakers, companies such as Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini have announced plans to jump into the market.

The Bentayga is the first of the three ultra-luxury SUVs to arrive over the next year or so. Bentley chairman Wolfgang Dürheimer told Business Insider earlier this year that the company will build 3,600 Bentaygas in its first year — and that the company has more orders from the US alone.

The Bentley Bentayga is the first SUV to emerge from the hyper-luxury brands of the world.

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The Bentayga gets its name of the Roque Bentayga, a rock formation in the Canary Islands.

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Together with the Lamborghini Urus and ...

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... the "Project Cullinan" from Rolls-Royce, the Bentayga will form a new segment in the SUV market above the current kings of the hill.
This is the prototype used to test the Cullinan's four-wheel-drive system. The finished SUV won't look like this.

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The most luxurious SUVs now include Mercedes-Benz's mighty G-Wagon ...

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... and the Range Rover Autobiography.

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The Bentayga is built on Volkswagen Group's MLB platform, which also underpins the new Audi Q7 SUV, as well as ...

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... the next generation Audi A4 compact sedan and wagon.

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Although it may share a platform with smaller cars, the Bentayga is a hefty SUV. At just under 17 feet long, the off-roader tips the scale at more than 5,300 pounds.

Business Insider had the chance to experience the engine last year in a Flying Spur. We were impressed with its endless well of horsepower and effortless performance.

In the Bentayga, Bentley claims the engine can rocket the SUV to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4 seconds — and all the way up to a top speed of 187 mph. Bentley says this makes the Bentayga the fastest SUV in the world.

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Later on, Bentley will also add a high-efficiency diesel and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the Bentayga's options list.

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In the meantime, the W12 can save fuel by shutting off half its cylinders when large amounts of horsepower aren't required.

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On the inside, the Bentayga is a harmonious blend of traditional luxury and modern technology.

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Virtually the entire cabin is wrapped in fine leather and rich wood.

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Exquisite details such as diamond stitching, ...

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... a Breitling clock, and ...

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... this metallic Bentley ashtray abound.

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The Bentayga is also loaded up with modern tech, such as a head-up display, night vision, and adaptive cruise control.

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At the heart of the Bentayga's interior is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 60GB hard drive.

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Those looking to take on Mother Nature can adjust the Bentley's personality using buttons mounted on the center console.

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As nice as the front seats look, ...

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... the rear seats appear to create an entirely different world for passengers.